A broiler farm which focuses on animal welfare, the environment and income

Agricultural business Buijs (NL) has undergone a genuine transformation over the past few years. For their broilers, they decided to follow Plukon’s animal-friendly enrichment program. In addition, they also grow their own feed. A great company with plenty of ambition, which Roxell would like to showcase. In particular because of the fact that they have chosen Roxell’s feed and drink systems.

In 2004, the broiler farm and arable farming business Buijs relocated 200 km from Rosmalen, to Emmer-Compascuum, in the north of the Netherlands. Here, Patrick Buijs (38) is now growing his agricultural business. It comprises 370 hectares of land and 155,000 broilers, 126,000 of which are accommodated at the home base.

Enrichment

The company chose the Enrichment-program by Plukon: animal welfare is emphasized in this system and the poultry farmer can realize a better price as a result. With this concept, they can supply chicks weighing 2,700 to 3,000 grams without using antibiotics. The most important requirement for participation in the concept is the provision of daylight. This is provided by light panels in the side walls of the house. The houses are also equipped with perches, stimulating equipment and toys for the chicks. It is an inventive and successful concept; they have already completed multiple cycles without the use of medicines.

New broiler houses

At the end of 2017, they demolished an existing broiler house in order to build three new broiler houses and a machinery store. These barns were put into service during the course of 2018.

The identical barns measure 23 x 95 meters and can house 126,000 broilers. They are fitted with Roxell’s feed and drink systems (MiniMax™ and Swii’Flo®). There is also LED lighting in the houses which provides optimum lighting for the broilers.

Closely tied to arable farming

The company also grows grain, sugar beet, ware potatoes, seed potatoes, onions, chicory and maize. The arable farming and the broiler sections of agricultural business Buijs are very much interconnected; the broiler component makes the growing of grain very practical, as it is used for chicken feed. The chickens eat around 1,300 tons of wheat each year.

Labor force

The company has appointed a manager to take responsibility for the broiler section. Four permanent employees have been recruited to the arable farming section. Patrick and his partner Yootha Baving also work full-time in the business. Yootha is responsible for dealing with the administration, among other things.

Source: magazine Boerderij, Bouke Poelsma

Agricultural business Buijs has made quite a few progressive choices over the past few years. Roxell wishes Patrick Buijs, Yootha Baving and their employees every success.